Commission on Poverty Secretary Stephen Fisher says the proposed Child Development Fund aims to create development capital for children and encourage kids to develop a saving habit.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Mr Fisher said $300 million has been set aside for the fund and the commission will discuss its detailed operation.

Regarding the suggestion of establishing a child trust fund, he said more discussion is needed, since the proposal involves long-term instalments.

Transport support scheme

On the proposed one-year pilot transport support scheme, Mr Fisher said the move will encourage the jobless and low-paid people in remote areas to seek jobs and work across districts.

The pilot scheme will be launched in four districts. An applicant will get an allowance of $600 to help her or him seek jobs. If the applicant gets a job and her or his salary is less than $5,600 per month, she or he will be given a six-month transport allowance. The amount will be $600 each month.

Speaking on welfare services, Director of Social Welfare Paul Tang said the Government will allocate $96 million in the next four years to implement a trial scheme in two districts to provide one-stop support services for elderly discharged from hospital who have difficulty taking care of themselves.